02-14-2023 City Council Regular Meeting Packet
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session Agenda
City Council:
Jason Conley
Michelle Fitzke
Bethany Guzinski
Chuck Haase
Doug Lanfear
Maggie Mendoza
Mitchell Nickerson
Mike Paulick
Jack Sheard
Mark Stelk
Mayor:
Roger G. Steele
City Administrator:
City Clerk:
RaNae Edwards
7:00 PM
Council Chambers - City Hall
100 East 1st Street, Grand Island, NE 68801
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 1 / 67
City of Grand Island Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Call to Order
This is an open meeting of the Grand Island City Council. The City of Grand Island abides by the Open
Meetings Act in conducting business. A copy of the Open Meetings Act is displayed in the back of this room
as required by state law.
The City Council may vote to go into Closed Session on any agenda item as allowed by state law.
Invocation - Pastor Steven Peeler, Messiah Lutheran Church, 708 North
Locust Street
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
A - SUBMITTAL OF REQUESTS FOR FUTURE ITEMS
Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council consideration should complete the Request for
Future Agenda Items form located at the Information Booth. If the issue can be handled administratively
without Council action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a meeting or study
session, notification of the date will be given.
B - RESERVE TIME TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS
This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to reserve
time to speak. Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on which you will
be speaking.
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item C-1
Presentation of the 2021-2022 Annual Library Report
Staff Contact: Celine Swan
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Annual Report
October 1, 2021–September 30, 2022
Grand Island Public Library
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Table of Contents
AdministrationCeline Swan, DirectorNancy Broich, Secretary
Custodial & MaintenanceBrian Hainke †Ray HaymanRobert Meyer
LibrariansLaura Fentress, Youth & Family ServicesShaun Klee, Adult & Technical Services
Library Assistant IIsSusie CartwrightLori MedlinJeanne SimonsElle Supencheck
Library AssistantsChris DierksBrenda HalmAnn GosdaIrasema InterianoNicole RoundyJackie TranAlessandra ValenciaLindsay Wassinger
Library PagesMichelle AbramsonPat BellKaitlyn BerggrenAndrew FullerJohn GalbraithElla McDowallDarlene Polk
Library Staff
Library Board Library Foundation
Jaime Parr, President (from July 2022)Sara White, Vice PresidentTanya Hansen, Secretary; President (to July 2022)Barbara BeckKari Hooker-LeepBeth SteckerAnna Stehlik
Retired Board Members:Kelli ArensBenjamin BoeselagerMaria Marquez de LopezEd Meedel
Vaughn Minton, City Council Liaison
Leigh Lillibridge, Executive DirectorKim Mettenbrink, Volunteer Coordinator
Alan Lepler, PresidentJoe Cook, Vice PresidentPam Andersen, Secretary/TreasurerAbby Kile, Secretary/TreasurerDuane Burns, Past PresidentPat Bell, Board MemberInes Gonzalez, Board Member
Ed Meedel, Library Board RepresentativeTanya Hansen, Library Board Representative
From the Director’s Desk................................... 1
By the Numbers.................................................. 2
2021-2022: A Year of Growth............................. 3
GIPL 2022-2027.................................................. 4
Library Foundation News................................... 5
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From the Director’s Desk
The Grand Island Public Library is more than just checking out books! One great example from this year was the implementation of the Community Seed Library. Staff partnered with our good friend Pam to grow starter plants, get donations of plants from nurseries, and set up a file cabinet to organize the seeds. A big plant exchange event saw a huge turnout from the community. Nebraska Public Me-dia offered programs on pollination, donated start-er seeds, and provided educational handouts to our Library.
The Seed Library was welcomed and appreciated by our patrons! We had a lot of great feedback. We were able to put out materials on growing vegeta-bles and flowers, pollination, recipes, canning, and more. Patrons loved being able to pick out their packets of seeds to take home. At a time when it is increasingly popular to grow your own food, for health reasons, and to save money, this program helped us all to grow!
This is just one program where our Library em-powers and engages people with not materials and programs. We were even able to go to St. Mary’s Cathedral to offer information in English and Span-ish to hundreds that were attending two Spanish masses; of course, they loved the free seeds.
The Library also experienced growth in numbers for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. We had an increase in registered patrons. We did card promotions across the community. Staff created a sign-up station by the circulation desk where patrons could quickly apply for a library card. We promoted free library cards in Hall County outside Grand Island city lim-its. We also saw growth in patron visits; circulation increased all media formats by an amazing 25.4%.
The Library was still getting back to normal after COVID and did have some growing pains. The Li-brary staff and patrons struggled with occasional
COVID flare-ups. Other challenges were patron dissatisfaction with Library hours. The Library worked with what we had in our budget to pro-vide the best possible hours for the public, though hours and staff had not been increased since the 2020 cutbacks. Times were tough for patrons look-ing for resources on jobs, food security, housing, childcare, technology, and medical information. The Library was here as a resource. For many un-der-served it was a place to visit; for some, a refuge.
The Library applied for many grants. We received funding to replace our outdated self-checkout sta-tions, RFID gates and equipment, and teen com-puters. We also replaced our HVAC system that was overdue for replacement. We finished that project under projected costs in December of 2021.
The Library Board updated the Library’s Strate-gic Plan in the spring of 2022 and is working hard with the Library Foundation, staff, and community to continue making this a “Library for Everyone!” and will continue to push toward achieving goals outlined in this 5-year plan. The Grand Island Pub-lic Library is accredited at the Gold Level by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Library’s new mission statement is “To inspire and strengthen our community by connecting people with infor-mation, ideas and experiences.” We are excited to share this year’s incredible growth!
Celine Swan
Library Director
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By the Numbers
33,201
Registered Patrons (Cardholders)
5.3% increase over 2021
97,945
print books held 44,107
electronic books held
40,396
electronic audio units held
1,949
electronic video units held
$1,782,490
Annual Library Budget
$1,762,881.21, or 98.9% of budget spent
5,482
audio units held
10,995
video units held
95,863
Patron Visits
8,532
items added
(New to the Library)
$4,296,263saved by patrons borrowing itemsfrom GIPL rather than purchasing
source: https://ilovelibraries.org/what-libraries-do
/calculator
7,704
items withdrawn
(Worn, replaced, not circulating)
285,587
Total Annual Circulationof all materials in all formats
An amazing 25.4% increase!
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2021-2022: A Year of Growth
It has been a year of incredible growth for children’s and teen services. The Library has always cham-pioned early literacy, and this year we revamped the baby area of the Children’s Area to highlight the Five Practices encouraged by the Every Child Ready to Read initiative: Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing, and Playing.
This year saw the return of fully in-person chil-dren’s and teen programming. Favorite programs like Breakfast With Santa, the Bear Fair, Summer Reading Kickoff, and the Edith Abbott Victorian Tea Party were held in person for the first time since before the pandemic, drawing large crowds of up to 300 people.
This year’s Summer Reading Program, themed “Oceans of Possibilities,” brought in droves of par-ticipants, especially for our “Mega Mondays” pro-grams that featured special guest performers. 534 kids and 87 teens ages 0 to 18 collectively logged over 480,000 reading minutes over the 10 weeks of summer and collected more than 1,800 prizes.
Fall programming included the return of Bookbop, the much-loved weekly movement-based story-time, and brand-new art programs for school-aged kids and special teen programs on Fridays GIPS schools were out of session.
We also expanded our partnerships with schools, preschools, and daycares around the region to do some outreach programs and bring kids in for guided tours on field trips.
With funding from the 2021 ARPA Youth Grant, teens got a brand new “Gateway Makerspace” an area just outside our existing Makerspace stocked with tools and supplies they can use independently to experiment, craft, and design whatever they’d like.
The ARPA Youth Grant also funded the purchase of six One by Wacom tablet input devices, two sewing machines, and an iFixit Pro Tech electronics repair
toolkit available for checkout and in-library use.
Adult library engagement continued to grow in 2021-2022 as well. In addition to the annual Summer Reading Program, the new Bygone Book Club, dedicated to both local and Nebraska histo-ry launched its inaugural season. Still growing in popularity, the second season of Bygone Book Club began in Fall 2022.
2022 was also a special year for Grand Island, which celebrated its sesquicentennial–150th–an-niversary. The Library partnered with community organizations to hold programs celebrating Grand Island’s incredible history including History Ne-braska Speakers Bureau lectures and historic bus tours of the community.
With increased hours and staff (including a new teen librarian!) in the coming year, we are excited to reach out to more families and organizations to better serve all the young people and their fami-lies in our community. Here’s to another year of growth!
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GIPL 2022-2027
A comprehensive five-year strategic plan was com-pleted in April 2022. This included significant in-put from staff, patrons, and partners as GIPL nav-igates how to meet the needs of the community. The Library Board and Staff developed action steps with timelines and milestones and formed teams of staff and board members to address each of six Strategic Directions. During the last fiscal year, as part of the Strategic Plan, the Board voted to elimi-nate late fees in the upcoming fiscal year, partnered with Hall County schools to ensure each child has a library card, voted to expand the Library hours to accommodate various lifestyles, created a plan for the Library’s hardware and software, expanded our outreach efforts, built and maintained partner-ships with local non-profits, engaged with private employers like JBS to hold Library card drives, eval-uated and updated signage to be inclusive, staffed the Welcome Desk, and expanded our Makerspace and digital equipment offerings.
• • • • •
The 2027 Grand Island Public Library Strategic Plan includes six strategic directions, or goals, for the Library to work towards:
1. A Library for Everyone2. A Culture of Excellence3. Create Mutually Beneficial Partnerships and Collaboration4. Increase Awareness of All We Do and Offer5. Ensure the Library’s Materials, Programs, Tech-nology, and Services Meet the Needs of the Community6. Ensure the Library’s Physical Space Needs the Needs of the Community
To view the full 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, view our progress, and see previous plans, visit us at:
https://gilibrary.org/about-us/gilibrary-2020
Tanya Hansen
Library Board President
“I value most the fact that the library offers an environment where people can enjoy reading. I fell in love with reading as a kid due to programs at the library and visits to the library.” -- Library Patron, GIPL Strategic Plan Survey
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Library Foundation News
In the last year the Library Foundation has re-searched and launched a fundraising program aimed at not only supporting the educational op-portunities at the library, but featuring them too!
In early 2021 the Foundation board was tasked with trying to figure out new fundraising activities during a global pandemic. As experienced as many involved were, none of us had fundraised through a global health crisis. We were left wondering how on earth we were going to fundraise during a pan-demic when we couldn’t gather people or entice them with fun events.
After significant research and several planning ses-sions, it was decided to offer an Annual Sponsor-ship Program where area businesses could sponsor an entire year’s worth of activities and events at the library. The mechanics of the program make it similar to sponsoring a golf tournament, but the benefit of the Library Annual Sponsorship is that sponsors get to support and be mentioned at every library program throughout the calendar year. The different levels of sponsorship allow all sizes of businesses, organizations, and individuals to take part.
The program’s soft launch was in the spring of 2022. The launch helped the Foundation meet the annual funding goal to gift the Library in Novem-ber. Foundation Board members and staff met face-to-face with area business owners and community leaders to promote the program.
Our Annual Sponsor businesses are recognized on both the Library and Foundation websites, library kiosks, and the Library’s quarterly newsletter, and are mentioned by name at Library events. Top-level sponsors are invited to participate in larger events like Summer Reading and the Bear Fair.
We are currently taking sponsorships for 2023.
More information can be found on our website: https://giplf.org/become-a-sponsor/
Special thanks to the following business sponsors for 2022:
Leigh Lillibridge
Library Foundation Executive Director
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To inspire and strengthen our community by
connecting people with information, ideas,
and experiences
Library Mission Statement
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item D-1
#2023-BE-1 - Consideration of Determining Benefits for Sidewalk
Repairs at 239 South Plum Street
Council action will take place under Ordinances Item F-1.
Staff Contact: Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
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Council Agenda Memo
From:Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Consideration of Determining Benefits for Sidewalk
Repairs at 239 South Plum Street
Presenter(s):Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Background
The Certificate of Final Completion for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South Plum Street was
approved by City Council on January 10, 2023, via Resolution No. 2023-8; with February
14, 2023 set as the date for Council to sit as the Board of Equalization. Galvan
Construction, Inc. of Grand Island, Nebraska completed such work to the City standards
for a cost of $1,750.00. Total cost of the repairs, including Engineering Services of
$175.00, is $1,925.00.
All work has been completed and special assessments have been calculated for the
improvements.
Discussion
The cost for this project will be assessed to the adjacent property per City Code Section
32-58(2) and 16-662. The payments are spread over six (6) years at 7% simple interest.
The first payment of principal only at 1/7th of the assessment is due ten (10) days after
filing of the ordinance that levies the costs as approved at the Board of Equalization. The
remaining six payments of 1/7th of the assessment plus accrued interest are due on each
one year anniversary thereafter. There is no penalty for prepayment of the outstanding
balance at any time.
The City has had multiple correspondences with the property owner and has sent a
reminder letter advising them that the BOE is scheduled for February 14, 2023 with City
Council action anticipated after the BOE action and that the first installment payment will
be due shortly after.
Alternatives
The Council is sitting as the Board of Equalization. It appears that the Board has the
following alternatives concerning the issue at hand. The Board may:
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1.Move to approve
2.Continue the hearing to future date
3.Take no action on the issue
Recommendation
City Administration recommends that the Board of Equalization determine benefits and
pass a resolution establishing benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South Plum Street.
Sample Motion
(Sample Motion for the Board of Equalization)
Move to approve the resolution establishing benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South
Plum Street.
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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Sidewalk Repairs
239 S. Plum St.
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
0
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239 S Plum Street
2022/7/6- Code Enforcement received complaint “sidewalk is cracked and needs
replaced before someone gets hurt”- Code Enforcement officer observed several City
Code violations- gave 7 days to comply
2022/7/7- Code Enforcement sent sidewalk repair letter
2022/7/8- PW Eng Tech marked deficient areas of public sidewalk
2022/8/16- Code Enforcement noted no action taken
2022/8/17- Code Enforcement sent final notice to make sidewalk repairs
2022/10/12- Code Enforcement has “exhausted all options and given enough time for a
response from the property owner to comply- case forwarded to PW Eng”
2022/10/13- no work has been started- letter sent to property owner notifying this matter
will be presented to City Council at their 2022/10/25 meeting for action
2023/10/25- City Council approved Resolution No. 2022-307 ordering the sidewalk
repairs- 15 days to obtain permit & then 15 days to complete work
2022/10/26- notice sent to property owner of City Council action
2022/11/15- sent regular & certified mail of notice that quotes would be obtained
2022/11/28- noticed posted on property that contractor has been hired to complete the
work (Galvan Construction- PO No. 37961 for $2k)
o Work completed for $1750 w/ 10% ($175) Engineering fee= $1925
2023/1/10- City Council approved Certificate of Final Completion- Resolution No. 2023-8
2023/2/14- Board of Equalization to assess total costs of $1925
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Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
R E S O L U T I O N 2023–BE-1
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, sitting as a Board of Equalization for sidewalk repairs at 239
South Plum Street, after due notice having been given thereof, that we find and adjudge:
That the benefits accruing to the real estate in such district to be the total sum of
$1,925.00; and
Such benefits are based on length of sidewalk installed at the adjacent property;
and
According to the actual frontage of sidewalk installed adjacent to the respective
lots, tracts, and real estate within such sidewalk repair area, such benefits are the sums set
opposite the several descriptions as follows:
Name Description Assessment
Larry D & Amanda M Gydesen Lot 6, Block 1, Koehler Place $1,925.00
City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska
TOTAL $1,925.00
- - -
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, sitting as a Board of
Equalization, on February 14, 2023.
_______________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 24 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item F-1
#9916 - Assessment of Benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South
Plum Street
This item relates to the aforementioned Public Hearing item E-1.
Staff Contact: Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
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Council Agenda Memo
From:Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Assessment of Benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239
South Plum Street
Presenter(s):Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Background
The Certificate of Final Completion for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South Plum Street was
approved by City Council on January 10, 2023, via Resolution No. 2023-8; with February
14, 2023 set as the date for Council to sit as the Board of Equalization. Galvan
Construction, Inc. of Grand Island, Nebraska completed such work to the City standards
for a cost of $1,750.00. Total cost of the repairs, including Engineering Services of
$175.00, is $1,925.00.
All work has been completed and special assessments have been calculated for the
improvements.
A resolution was previously presented at tonight’s meeting for the Board of Equalization
to establish the benefits for sidewalk repairs at 239 South Plum Street.
Discussion
If the Board of Equalization adopts the resolution establishing the benefits for sidewalk
repairs, the next step requires the City Council to adopt an ordinance to assess and levy a
special tax to pay the cost of construction for sidewalk repairs at 239 South Plum Street.
Staff have prepared an ordinance for City Council’s consideration. After the effective
date of the proposed ordinance, the Treasurer of the City of Grand Island will collect the
amount due ($1,925.00) from the property owners according to the schedule and interest
rate set forth in the proposed ordinance.
Alternatives
It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand.
The Council may:
1.Move to approve
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2.Postpone the issue to a future date
3.Take no action on the issue
Recommendation
City Administration recommends that the City Council pass an ordinance assessing
benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South Plum Street.
Sample Motion
Move to approve the ordinance assessing benefits for Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South
Plum Street.
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Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
This Space Reserved for Register of Deeds
ORDINANCE NO. 9916
An ordinance assessing and levying a special tax to pay the cost of construction of
Sidewalk Repairs at 239 South Plum Street of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska; providing for
the collection of such special tax; repealing any provisions of the Grand Island City Code,
ordinances, and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith; and to provide for publication and the
effective date of this ordinance.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the authority granted to the City Council by Neb. Rev.
Stat. §§16-250 and 16-662, there is hereby assessed upon the following described lots, tracts and
parcels of land specially benefited, for the purpose of paying the cost of construction of said
sidewalk repairs at 239 South Plum Street, as adjudged by the Mayor and Council of the City, to
the extent of benefits thereto by reason of such improvement, after due notice having been given
thereof as provided by law; and a special tax for such cost of construction is hereby levied at one
time upon such lots, tracts and land as follows:
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ORDINANCE NO. 9916 (Cont.)
- 2 -
Name Description Assessment
Larry D & Amanda M Gydesen Lot 6, Block 1, Koehler Place $1,925.00
City of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska
TOTAL $1,925.00
SECTION 2. The special tax shall become delinquent as follows: One-seventh of
the total amount shall become delinquent in ten days; one-seventh in one year; one-seventh in
two years; one-seventh in three years; one-seventh in four years; one-seventh in five years; one-
seventh in six years respectively, after the date of such levy; provided, however, the entire
amount so assessed and levied against any lot, tract or parcel of land may be paid within ten days
from the date of this levy without interest, and the lien of special tax thereby satisfied and
released. Each of said installments, except the first, shall draw interest at the rate of not
exceeding seven percent (7.0%) per annum from the time of such levy until they shall become
delinquent. After the same become delinquent, interest at the rate of three-fourths of one percent
per month shall be paid thereon as in the case of other special taxes, until the same is collected
and paid.
SECTION 3. The Treasurer of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska is hereby
directed to collect the amount of said taxes herein assessed as provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. §16-
666.
SECTION 5. Any provision of the Grand Island City Code, and any provision of
any ordinance, or part of ordinance, in conflict herewith is hereby repealed.
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ORDINANCE NO. 9916 (Cont.)
- 3 -
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its
passage and publication within fifteen days in one issue of the Grand Island Independent as
provided by law.
Enacted: February 14, 2023
____________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
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City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-1
Approving Minutes of January 24, 2023 City Council Regular
Meeting
Staff Contact: RaNae Edwards
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CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
January 24, 2023
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First
Street, on January 24, 2023. Notice of the meeting was given in The Grand Island Independent
on January 18, 2023.
Mayor Roger G. Steele called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following City Council
members were present: Bethany Guzinski, Chuck Haase, Jack Sheard, Mike Paulick, Michelle
Fitzke, Mark Stelk, Mitch Nickerson, Doug Lanfear and Jason Conley. Councilmember Maggie
Mendoza was absent. The following City Officials were present: City Clerk RaNae Edwards,
Finance Director Patrick Brown, City Attorney Laura McAloon and Interim Public Works
Director Keith Kurz.
INVOCATION was given by Father Don Buhrman, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 2410 South
Blaine Street followed by the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
Presentation and Discussion Regarding Allocation ARPA Funds. Finance Director Patrick
Brown reported that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress adopted
the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Fund (SLFRF). The City of Grand Island (City) had received its second tranche of
ARPA funding in the amount of $4.5 million. Together with the remaining funds from the first
tranche of funding, the City had approximately $5.5 million available for allocation to eligible
projects.
Mr. Brown explained what the ARPA and SLFRE Funds could be used for such as: public health
response costs; government infrastructure funding for water, sewer or broadband services;
government employee retention and replacement; and replacement of lost governmental revenue.
Administration had come to the conclusion that the SLFRF funds should be used to satisfy the
Council’s commitment to provide infrastructure funding to the Conestoga Marketplace
redevelopment project. This recommendation was based on the following:
1.The $5,500,000 investment in the Conestoga Marketplace redevelopment would qualify
for an ARPA funding expenditure. The $5.5 million, as agreed to in the redevelopment
agreement, would be spent on infrastructure of the mall property, including but not
limited to water, sewer, electric, and road construction.
2.If we use General Fund cash reserves to pay for the Conestoga Marketplace investment,
then we would need to find another project or projects to spend SLFRF funds. In essence,
the General Fund reserves would decrease by the $5.5 million investment in Conestoga
Marketplace and $5.5 million for the SLFRF project totaling an $11 million reduction in
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Page 2, City Council Regular Meeting, January 24, 2023
General Fund cash reserves. By using SLFRF funds for the Conestoga Marketplace
project, City Council now has the option of using or not use cash reserves for another
project.
Mr. Brown stated the General Fund had significant cash reserves which made the two options
listed above viable. However due to the high cost of inflation, interest rate hikes, and supply line
issues, it might be in the best interest of the City to hold on to those cash reserves and spend
those reserves on projects in the future when costs start easing.
Reviewed was a list of other projects that would eventually need to be done. Jay Vavricek, 2729
Brentwood Boulevard commented about this item being under Presentations and Proclamations.
He suggested the Council ask the public where they would like the $5.5 million to go towards.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing on Request from Duysen Enterprises, LLC dba The Upper Deck, 2110 West 2nd
Street for a Class “C” Liquor License. City Clerk RaNae Edwards reported that an application
for a Class “C” Liquor License had been received from Duysen Enterprises, LLC dba The Upper
Deck, 2110 West 2nd Street. Ms. Edwards presented the following exhibits for the record:
application submitted to the Liquor Control Commission and received by the City on December
22, 2022; notice to the general public of date, time, and place of hearing published on January
14, 2023; notice to the applicant of date, time, and place of hearing mailed on January 4, 2023.
Staff recommended denial based on the Police Department report of an active warrant for Mr.
Duysen’s arrest in the State of Minnesota. No public testimony was heard.
ORDINANCES:
Councilmember Fitzke moved “that the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on
three different days are suspended and that ordinance numbered:
#9915 - Consideration of Vacation of Public Right-of-Way in Section 12-11-10; North of
State Street, East of North Road (Parcel No. 400523168)
be considered for passage on the same day upon reading by number only and that the City Clerk
be permitted to call out the number of this ordinance on second reading and then upon final
passage and call for a roll call vote on each reading and then upon final passage.”
Councilmember Nickerson seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion
failed.
Public Works Department Interim Director Keith Kurz reported that to allow access during
construction of the North Road- 13th Street to Highway 2 Roadway Improvements; Project No.
2019-P-5 the City of Grand Island acquired right-of-way north of State Street, east of North
Road. With the project complete there was no need for the City to retain this parcel. Ownership
of the vacated right-of-way would revert to the adjacent property owner directly south of Parcel
No. 400523168.
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Page 3, City Council Regular Meeting, January 24, 2023
Motion by Haase, second by Paulick to approve Ordinance #9915.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9915on first reading. All those in favor of the passage of this ordinance
on first reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
City Clerk: Ordinance #9915 on second and final reading. All those in favor of this passage of
this ordinance on second and final reading, answer roll call vote. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
Mayor Steele: By reason of the roll call votes on first reading and then upon second and final
readings, Ordinance #9915 is declared to be lawfully adopted upon publication as required by
law.
CONSENT AGENDA: Consent Agenda items G-11, G-12, G-13, G-14 and G-15 (Resolutions
#2023-24, #2023-25, #2023-26, #2023-27, and #2023-28) were pulled for further review Motion
by Paulick, second by Stelk to approve the Consent Agenda excluding item G-. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
Approving Minutes of January 10, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.
Approving Councilmembers Appointments to Boards and Commissions.
#2023-16 - Approving Budget Software Annual Renewal with SHI International Corp for the
OpenGov Budget Software in an Amount of $49,019.34.
#2023-17 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for Ben R Davis Subdivision. It
was noted that LBE Family Limited Partnership, owner, had submitted the Final Plat and
Subdivision Agreement for Ben R Davis Subdivision located south of Anderson Avenue and east
of Pine Street for the purpose of creating 2 Lots on 31 acres.
#2023-18 - Approving Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for The Orchard Third
Subdivision. It was noted that The Orchard LLC c/o Hoppe Homes, owner, had submitted the
Final Plat and Subdivision Agreement for The Orchard Third Subdivision located south of 19th
Street and east of Peach Street for the purpose of creating 63 Lots on 7.630 acres.
#2023-19 - Approving the Certificate of Compliance with the Nebraska Department of
Transportation for Maintenance Agreement No. 12; Calendar Year 2022.
#2023-20 - Approving Maintenance Agreement No. 12 Renewal with the Nebraska Department
of Transportation for Calendar Year 2023.
#2023-21 - Approving Bid Award for 18th Street - Moores Creek Drainway to Diers Avenue;
Project No. 2022-P-8 with The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska in an
Amount of $1,149,288.25.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 34 / 67
Page 4, City Council Regular Meeting, January 24, 2023
#2023-22 - Approving Bid Award for Custer Avenue - 13th Street to State Street Roadway
Rehabilitation; Project No. 2022-P-5 (Phase III) with The Diamond Engineering Company of
Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $1,109,367.45.
#2023-23 - Approving Change Order #1 for PGS Bottom Ash System Upgrade with UCC
Environmental of Waukegan, Illinois for an Increase of $2,163,776.00 and a Revised Contract
Amount of $4,144,476.00.
#2023-24 - Approving Purchase of Ryder Park Playground from Creative Sites, LLC of Omaha,
Nebraska in an Amount of $1,236,356.00. Parks and Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported
that the City was approached by students and staff from the Central Community College
Occupational Therapy Class with the idea of raising funds to building a new community
inclusive playground. The City would purchase the equipment but it would be 100% covered by
the CCCF and they had secured a total of $1.1 million in cash and pledges to date. Comments
were made by Council that this was a good project.
Motion by Haase, second by Nickerson to approve Resolution #2023-24. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2023-25 - Approving Purchase of Bucket Truck for Parks Operations from Altec Industries,
Inc. of St. Joseph, Missouri in an Amount of $155,669.00. Parks and Recreation Director Todd
McCoy reported that the Parks Division had budgeted this year to replace one (1) 1995 Chevy
3500 Cheyenne Bucket Truck. The replacement truck was necessary as the current unit was
becoming less dependable and the new unit would be more efficient as it does not require down
rigging. Mr. McCoy answered questions regarding the reasons this size of bucket truck was
needed.
Motion by Guzinski, second by Conley to approve Resolution #2023-25. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2023-26 - Approving Preliminary Design of West Connector Trail Extension with JEO
Consulting Group, Inc. of Grand Island, Nebraska in an Amount of $29,900.00. Parks and
Recreation Director Todd McCoy reported that extending the current trail system and connecting
gaps was listed as a priority from public input in the Grand Island Metropolitan Area Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. The Parks and Recreation Department was proposing to design the West
Connector Trail Extension. The trail project would construct a trail from the intersection of
North Road and Old Potash Hwy to the City Water Tower Park on Engleman Road. The new
trail would be 10’ wide and approximately 1.4 miles long.
Mr. McCoy explained what the engineering would provide. He stated it would be a conceptual
design for a possible grant. Interim Public Works Director Keith Kurz answered questions
regarding the engineering design.
Motion by Sheard, second by Lanfear to approve Resolution #2023-26. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 35 / 67
Page 5, City Council Regular Meeting, January 24, 2023
#2023-27 - Approving CDBG Sub-recipient Agreement with Central Nebraska Community
Action Partnership. Amber Alvidrez, Community Development Administrator reported that the
Community Development Division recommended awarding $25,000 of the CDBG annually
allocated funds to the Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership (CNCAP) to implement
an Emergency Payment program. CNCAP would use these funds in order to aid low to moderate
income residents within the City of Grand Island. The main goal of this program would be to
help residents of our community with one time aid to avoid homelessness. Council thanked Ms.
Alvidrez for bringing this forward.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Guzinski to approve Resolution #2023-27. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2023-28 - Approving Application for the Grand Island Fire Department to Apply for FY22
Assistance to Firefighters Grant to Purchase 70 P25 Compliant Radios. Fire Chief Cory Schmidt
reported that the Grand Island Fire Department was requesting to apply to the FY22 Assistance
to Firefighters Grant for funding assistance for the purchase of seventy P-25 compliant radios.
Discussion was held regarding the different types of radios. Chief Schmidt stated these were the
radios that would qualify for grant funding. Police Captain Jim Duering explained the difference
in their request for radios and the Fire Department radios. Emergency Management Director Jon
Rosenlund explained the difference and how these would tie together.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-28. Upon roll call vote,
all voted aye. Motion adopted.
RESOLUTIONS:
#2023-29 - Consideration of Request from Duysen Enterprises, LLC dba The Upper Deck, 2110
West 2nd Street for a Class “C” Liquor License and Liquor Manager Designation for Aaron
Duysen, 1507 West 1st Street. This item was related to the aforementioned Public Hearing. Staff
recommended denied based on the Police Department report.
Motion by Nickerson, second by Stelk to deny Resolution #2023-29. Upon roll call vote,
Councilmembers Conley, Lanfear, Nickerson, Stelk, Fitzke, Sheard, Haase, and Guzinski voted
aye. Councilmember Paulick abstained. Motion adopted.
#2023-30 - Consideration of Approving Letter of Support for Essential Air Service (EAS) to the
Department of Transportation (DOT). Mike Olson, Executive Director of the Central Nebraska
Regional Airport gave a presentation regarding Essential Air Service (EAS). On January 18,
2023 the Hall County Airport Authority conducted a public meeting to discuss the bid for
Essential Air Service to Grand Island, Nebraska. The Hall County Airport Authority was
recommending American Airlines to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for air service for
the Central Nebraska Regional Airport under the Essential Air Service Program. Staff
recommended approval to accept the recommendation of the Hall County Airport Authority
Board submitted by American Airlines and authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the
Department of Transportation expressing support of such proposal.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 36 / 67
Page 6, City Council Regular Meeting, January 24, 2023
Motion by Lanfear, second by Haase to approve Resolution #2023-30. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
#2023-31 - Consideration of Approving City Council Study Session Schedule for 2023. City
Attorney Laura McAloon reported that City Administration recommended the advance
scheduling of Study Sessions for the remainder of calendar year 2023 for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday
at 7:00pm. Administration was not recommending Study Sessions on July 4 (legal holiday) or
during the months of November and December when the Council’s regular meetings were
scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday due to the holidays.
Motion by Haase, second by Stelk to approve Resolution #2023-31. Upon roll call vote, all voted
aye. Motion adopted.
#2023-32 - Consideration of Approving Police Portable Radio Purchase Proposal. Police Chief
Kevin Denney reported that the Police Department had budget authority of $150,000 under
Capital expenditures to replace current portable radios purchased in 2013 and 2014. Reviewed
were three alternatives differing in purchase cost, future cost and operational considerations.
Staff recommended the Council approve Option 3 for the purchase of 75 APX8000 model 1.5
portable radios, support equipment, and programming for a total cost of $547,281.00. Finance
Director Patrick Brown explained how this purchase would be paid for.
Motion by Sheard, second by Paulick to approve Resolution #2023-32 Option 3. Upon roll call
vote, all voted aye. Motion adopted.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
Motion by Fitzke, second by Paulick to approve the payment of claims for the period of January
11, 2023 through January 24, 2023 for a total amount of $7,181,073.54. Upon roll call vote, all
voted aye. Motion adopted.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 37 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-2
Approving Appointment of Ryan Schmitz to the Plumbing Board
Mayor Steele has submitted the appointment of Ryan Schmitz to the Plumbing board. This appointment
would become effective immediately upon approval by the City Council and expire on December 31,
2024.
Staff Contact: Mayor Roger Steele
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 38 / 67
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 39 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-3
Approving Appointment of Megan Goplin to the Regional
Planning Commission
Mayor Steele has submitted the appointment of Megan Goplin to the Regional Planning Commission to
replace Hector Rubio. This appointment would become effective immediately upon approval by the City
Council and expire on October 31, 2025.
Staff Contact: Mayor Roger Steele
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 40 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-4
Approving Re-Appointments of Tony Randone and Robin
Hendricksen and Appointment of Megan Goplin to the
Interjurisdictional Planning Commission
Mayor Steele has submitted the re-appointments of Tony Randone and Robin Hendricksen to the
Interjurisdictional Planning Commission and the appointment of Megan Goplin to replace Hector
Rubio. These appointments would become effective immediately upon approval by the City Council and
expire on November 30, 2023.
Staff Contact: Mayor Roger Steele
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 41 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-5
#2023-33 - Approving Purchase of Additional Monitors in Council
Chambers
Staff Contact: Patrick Brown
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 42 / 67
Council Agenda Memo
From:Jeremy Watson, Audio/Video Technician
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Approving Purchase of Additional Monitors in Council
Chambers
Presenter(s):Patrick Brown, Finance Director
Background
Grand Island Television, along with the Finance Department, presented needed upgrades
to the current media system on September 20, 2022 which include digital signage display
implementation, audio system replacement, and video/lighting additions.
GITV’s last upgrade occurred in 2016.
Discussion
Per our Cable TV Franchise agreement, the City is required to spend these funds on
capital improvements for GITV. The last upgrade was in 2016 and revenues have
averaged $30,000 a year since then. City Council approved upgrades through AVI
Systems, a sole source provider, in the amount of $83,000.00 on November 20, 2022.
Staff has identified another improvement it can make in viewing items placed on the two
big screens located on the side of council chambers. Staff is recommending the placement
of three (3) 43 inch monitors in the recessed lighting box. The cost of monitors,
installation, cabling, and programing is $14,441.29. Staff believes this will benefit
Council members in viewing presentations.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 43 / 67
Alternatives
It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand.
The Council may:
1.Move to approve
2.Refer the issue to a Committee
3.Postpone the issue to future date
4.Take no action on the issue
Recommendation
City Administration recommends that the Council approve the purchase of monitors for
the Council Chambers in the amount of $14,441.29.
Sample Motion
Move to approve the resolution.
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Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
R E S O L U T I O N 2023-33
WHEREAS, the current GITV media system is upgrading its custom hardware
and software broadcast system; and
WHEREAS, the last upgrade was in 2016 and cable franchise fee revenues have
averaged $30,000 a year since then; and
WHEREAS, per our Cable TV Franchise agreement, the City is required to spend
these funds on capital improvements for GITV; and
WHEREAS, GITV is seeking approval to purchase additional monitors for
council chamber in the total amount of $14,441.29; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 2022-335 adopted on November 20, 2022, the City
Council designated AVI Systems as the sole source provider of hardware and software
for the GITV media system until November 20, 2032.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the purchase of monitors, in the total
amount of $14,441.29 from AVI Systems of Omaha, Nebraska is hereby approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and designees are hereby
authorized to take all actions necessary to effect the purposes of this resolution.
- - -
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, February 14, 2023.
_______________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 54 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-6
#2023-34 - Approving Amendment No. 3 to Engineering
Consulting Agreement for North Road- Old Potash Highway to
13th Street Roadway Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6
Staff Contact: Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 55 / 67
Council Agenda Memo
From:Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Approving Amendment No. 3 to Engineering Consulting
Agreement for North Road- Old Potash Highway to 13th
Street Roadway Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6
Presenter(s):Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Background
The North Road- Old Potash Highway to 13th Street Roadway Improvements; Project No.
2019-P-6 is for the improvement of North Road from just north of the intersection with
Old Potash Highway and the intersection with 13th Street. The Engineering Division of
the Public Works Department is proposing a concrete curb and gutter roadway section
with associated sidewalk, traffic control, drainage and all other related improvements
needed to complete the project.
On March 12, 2019, via Resolution No. 2019-86, City Council approved an Engineering
Services Agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company of Lincoln, Nebraska in the
amount of $96,524.00 for the conceptual design and cost estimate of North Road- Old
Potash Highway to 13th Street Roadway Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6.
On November 12, 2019, via Resolution No 2019-336, City Council approved
Amendment No. 1 to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company in the
amount of $133,772.00 to include final engineering design for North Road- Old Potash
Highway to 13th Street Roadway Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6.
On June 8, 2021, via Resolution No. 2021-133, City Council approved Amendment No. 2
to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company in the amount of $376,401.00
to include the bidding phase and construction observation service for North Road- Old
Potash Highway to 13th Street Roadway Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6.
Discussion
During construction of North Road- Old Potash Highway to 13th Street Roadway
Improvements; Project No. 2019-P-6 a conflict with water and storm sewer was
discovered. An amendment to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company is
requested, in the amount of $15,000.00, resulting in a revised agreement amount of
$621,697.00, for addition design work to rectify such conflict.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 56 / 67
Alternatives
It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand.
The Council may:
1.Move to approve
2.Refer the issue to a Committee
3.Postpone the issue to future date
4.Take no action on the issue
Recommendation
City Administration recommends that the Council approve Amendment No. 3 to the
original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company of Lincoln, Nebraska, in the amount
of $15,000.00 and authorize the execution of said amendment.
Sample Motion
Move to adopt the Resolution approving Amendment No. 3 with Alfred Benesch &
Company in the amount of $15,000.00 and authorizing the Mayor to execute such
amendment.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 57 / 67
Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
R E S O L U T I O N 2023-34
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2019, via Resolution No. 2019-86 the Grand Island
City Council approved entering into an agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company of Lincoln,
Nebraska in the amount of $96,524.00 for North Road- Old Potash Highway to 13th Street;
Project No. 2019-P-6; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2019, via Resolution No 2019-336, City Council
approved Amendment No. 1 to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company in the
amount of $133,772.00 to include final engineering design; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2021, via Resolution No. 2021-133, City Council
approved Amendment No. 2 to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company in the
amount of $376,401.00 to include final engineering design; and
WHEREAS, the original agreement is now being amended to include additional
design work to address a water/storm sewer conflict; and
WHEREAS, such amendment is in the amount of $15,000.00, for a revised
agreement amount of $621,697.00; and
WHEREAS, Amendment No. 3 to the original agreement with Alfred Benesch &
Company of Lincoln, Nebraska is required to proceed with this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that Amendment No. 3 with Alfred
Benesch & Company of Lincoln, Nebraska for final engineering design services related to North
Road- Old Potash Highway to 13th Street is hereby approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed
to execute such amendment on behalf of the City of Grand Island.
- - -
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, February 14, 2023.
_______________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 58 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item G-7
#2023-35 - Approving Authorization for Emergency Sanitary
Sewer Repair at 1520 N Ruby Avenue
Staff Contact: Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 59 / 67
Council Agenda Memo
From:Matt Walker PE, Assistant Public Works Director- Wastewater
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Approving Authorization for Emergency Sanitary Sewer
Repair at 1520 N Ruby Avenue
Presenter(s):Keith Kurz PE, Interim Public Works Director
Background
Emergency sanitary sewer repairs were needed for an imminent collapse of sanitary
sewer behind 1520 N Ruby Avenue.
The damaged main was found on January 4, 2023 by Insituform Technologies USA, LLC
as part of the 2022 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project No. 2022-S-1. Prior to pipe
lining, a final TV inspection was performed. During this inspection, it was determined
that the pipe lining operation could not be performed as the pipe had derogated to the
point in which total pipe collapse was near. The lining project was awarded on July 26,
2022, via Resolution No. 2022-192, in the amount of $689,558.30. The City uses a rating
system of 0 (close to failure) to 100 (excellent), with this main rating at 23.45. The repair
was necessary to avoid failure and line the main. Once the spot repair and pipe lining
(CIPP) was complete, the resulting pipe rating was 100.
On January 4, 2023 three (3) contractors were contacted to provide a quote to make the
necessary repairs to the City sanitary sewer main.
Discussion
The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska provided a quote of
$31,203.00, with O’Hara Plumbing of Grand Island, Nebraska and Van Kirk Bros. of
Sutton, Nebraska declining the work. The Diamond Engineering Company was issued
Purchase Order No. 38034 on January 6, 2023 to perform the necessary repairs to the
City sanitary sewer main.
Repairs were completed on January 7, 2023 and are to be paid at actual costs, which total
$31,203.00.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 60 / 67
Since the total is over $30,000.00 council approval is necessary. Permission is requested
to use the emergency procurement procedures as outlined in Section 27-13 of the City
Code.
Alternatives
It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand.
The Council may:
1.Move to approve
2.Refer the issue to a Committee
3.Postpone the issue to future date
4.Take no action on the issue
Recommendation
City Administration recommends that the Council approves usage of the City’s
Emergency Procurement Procedures and passes a resolution authorizing payment to The
Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska in the total amount of
$31,203.00 for the necessary sanitary sewer repairs behind 1520 N Ruby Street.
Sample Motion
Motion to approve the resolution.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 61 / 67
Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
RESOLUTION 2023-35
WHEREAS, the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department needed to
perform emergency sanitary sewer repairs behind 1520 N Ruby Avenue; and
WHEREAS, permission is requested to use the emergency procurement
procedures as outlined in Section 27-13 of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska was
hired to do said repairs, in the total amount of $31,203.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the sanitary sewer repairs performed
by The Diamond Engineering Company of Grand Island, Nebraska behind 1520 N Ruby
Avenue, in the total amount of $31,203.00 is hereby approved.
- - -
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, February 14, 2023.
_______________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 62 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item I-1
#2023-36 - Consideration of Approving Appointment of Laura
McAloon as Interim City Administrator
Staff Contact: Mayor Roger Steele
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 63 / 67
Council Agenda Memo
From:Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Meeting:February 14, 2023
Subject:Appointment of Interim City Administrator
Presenter(s):Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Background
At the request of the City Council on December 6, 2022, the City has initiated a national
search to fill the City Administrator position left vacant upon the retirement of Jerry
Janulewicz. On January 10, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract to Government
Professional Solutions (“GPS”) of Monument, CO to recruit applicants for both the City
Administrator and Public Works Director/City Engineer positions. At that meeting,
Human Resources Director Aaron Schmid advised City Council the recruitment process
will take 12 to 15 weeks, plus an additional 2 to 3 weeks for contract negotiations,
appointment and confirmation.
Discussion
In light of the length of time that is required for GPS to perform the City Administrator
recruitment and hiring process, I am recommending the appointment of Laura McAloon
as Interim City Administrator. If confirmed, Ms. McAloon would continue to perform her
duties as City Attorney as authorized by City Code. Assistant City Attorney Stacy
Nonhof will be available to attend City Council meetings as needed if Ms. McAloon is
confirmed as Interim City Administrator.
Upon confirmation of appointment and pursuant to the City’s Personnel Rules and
Regulations, Ms. McAloon would be temporarily compensated at Step 1 of the City
Administrator salary table while working out of class as Interim City Administrator and
continuing in her role as City Attorney.
Alternatives
It appears that the Council has the following alternatives concerning the issue at hand.
The Council may:
1.Move to approve resolution
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 64 / 67
2.Postpone the issue to future date
3.Take no action on the issue, thereby declining to confirm the appointment
Recommendation
City Administration recommends the appointment of Laura McAloon as Interim City
Administrator until the new City Administrator begins employment with the City, and
that she serve as Interim City Administrator concurrently with her position as City
Attorney.
Sample Motion
Move to approve the resolution confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Laura McAloon
as Interim City Administrator, to serve concurrent with her position as City Attorney.
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 65 / 67
Approved as to Form ¤ ___________
February 10, 2023 ¤ City Attorney
R E S O L U T I O N 2023-36
WHEREAS, under Grand Island City Code, §2-30, the office of City Administrator for
the City of Grand Island, Nebraska shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the council;
and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure the continued efficient delivery of City services, the
Mayor has recommended the appointment of Laura McAloon as Interim City Administrator
effective upon confirmation and until such time as a new City Administrator is confirmed by the
City Council; and
WHEREAS, Ms. McAloon is willing to perform the duties of Interim City Administrator
during the City’s recruitment and hiring process while continuing to serve as City Attorney; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations for the
compensation of employees temporarily working out of class, Ms. McAloon’s monthly salary as
Interim City Administrator and City Attorney will be Step 1 of the City Administrator salary
table at $15,015.87, an increase of $1010.54 over her current monthly salary as City Attorney.
NOW, THREREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND as follows:
Laura McAloon is hereby duly appointed Interim City Administrator in and for the
City of Grand Island until such time as the appointment of a new City Administrator
is confirmed by the City Council.
- - -
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, February 14, 2023.
_______________________________________
Roger G. Steele, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________________
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 66 / 67
City of Grand Island
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Council Session
Item J-1
Approving Payment of Claims for the Period of January 25, 2023
through February 14, 2023
The Claims for the period of January 25, 2023 through February 14, 2023 for a total amount of
$6,356,473.20. A MOTION is in order.
Staff Contact: Patrick Brown
Grand Island Council Session - 2/14/2023 Page 67 / 67